Best race other than the Marathon

Terrapin 5K and Music Festival
The Thursday before Lollapalooza weekend, this 5K by RAM Racing takes place south of Soldier Field and offers much more than just a smoothly organized course. Capping registrations at 4,000 (and selling out) the post-race party has all the makings of a mini-music festival (including a lineup of six bands performing on two stages) with just the right-size crowd. Tickets for a quesadilla, a donut and a Magic Hat beer are included on the race bibs and the shirt is stylish enough to wear on a day-to-day basis. It’s a solid evening race with a party thrown in for good measure.